Sources within AFP report that NATO members are concerned discussion of Ukraine’s membership could create a public disagreement between the EU and the US.
According to AFP sources, NATO leaders will avoid the topic of Ukrainian membership at their upcoming summit later this month. The news agency reports that member states are hesitant to broach the subject, fearing it could worsen existing tensions between the EU and the US.
The US-led military alliance is expected to “steer clear of its previous strong statements that Ukraine is on course to join the alliance” during the summit in The Hague in late June, according to the report.
An unnamed diplomatic source told AFP that the final declaration is likely to exclude any mention of Ukraine’s membership aspirations to ensure member state unity. A NATO diplomat stated, “There will be nothing on that,” and added, “My expectation is we will be absolutely silent.”
Former US President Donald Trump has been a vocal opponent of Ukraine joining NATO. In February, he stated that Ukraine should “can forget about NATO,” and that Kiev’s ambition was “probably the reason the whole thing started,” in reference to the conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is still anticipated to attend the summit, but AFP suggests formal discussions between NATO and Kiev are unlikely. One diplomat told the agency that “It will be a PR disaster if he’s not there.”
While NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has maintained that Ukraine remains a key priority at the summit, AFP sources suggest the focus will be on fulfilling Trump’s demand for member states to significantly increase their defense spending. An agency source stated that it “is the most important part and no one wants to jeopardize that.”
Russia has declared that NATO membership for Ukraine is a red line and a primary cause of the conflict, insisting on Ukraine’s neutral status as essential for lasting peace.
Although Trump administration officials have considered NATO membership as “a bridge too far,” Kiev has declined to commit to neutrality or to preventing foreign troops from being stationed on its territory, which Moscow also views as a red line.